Frizz Problems? These Are the 5 Best Shampoos, Conditioners & Styling Aids for Curly Hair
When your curly hair is prone to frizz, you know all too well that rain isn’t the only enemy of a fresh hairstyle. A mild breeze, sunshine, or any moisture in the air can and will undo hours of styling faster than you can open the weather app on your smartphone. Thankfully, product formulation for curly tresses has come a long way over the last couple of years. Now, almost every big-name hair-care brand has a range specifically created for curly hair.
But, as grateful as we are to have so many options, it can also lead to feeling overwhelmed by choice. To help you navigate through the noise, I’ve been trying out every curly-hair product I can get my hands on. I’ve tried my fair share of over-promising elixirs, so when I say these are the best curly girl products for shiny, moisturised, and frizz-free strands, I mean it.
My hair is fine and dense, and my curl type falls awkwardly in the middle of type 2B and 2C. Let’s just say I know all about frizz and the constant struggle of keeping my curls defined without weighing them down too much. Now, after much experimentation, I can confidently bring you this list of five best shampoos, conditioners and styling products for curly hair. These are my favourites for my curls.
Leave-in Conditioner: Nishlady Curl Manifesto Bi Phase Conditioner
The fun thing about 2C waves is they’re thicker and more susceptible to frizz. For 2C’ers it’s all about avoiding stripping essential moisture from strands while also being careful not to lose too much volume at the roots. A leave-in conditioner is a must for curly hair that loves to frizz if you even dare look at it the wrong way.
I can vouch for the Nishlady Curl Manifesto Bi Phase Conditioner (R309 | 386ml). This no-rinse leave-in conditioner is a new favourite for me. It gives my hair a shot of moisture when I need it, leaving it looking shiny and defined after a quick scrunch. I love to use it on wet or damp hair after a wash, because it makes it easier to get the curl shape you want. Plus, it works as a heat protector before any heat styling. I’ve also been loving it on dry hair to refresh my curls in the mornings. When I use this leave-in spray my hair doesn’t get that midday puffiness and my hair feels soft and nourished all day long.
Curl Cream: Inoar My Curl, My Crush Combing Cream
Curl cream is every curly girl’s best friend. But, if you have fine-textured 2C waves, or if volume is your priority, it’s important to look for lightweight formulas to avoid weighing down your hair. 2B girlies with hair that lies flatter at the crown also need to keep an eye on volume loss at the roots, opting for moisturising products that amp up your natural waves without the weight. The struggle for all Type 2 curls is longevity, so a dollop or two of curl cream into damp hair can help define the curls’ texture and hydrate them in the drying and diffusing process.
I’ve been loving the nourishing ingredients in the Inoar My Curl, My Crush Combing Cream (R700 | 500ml). It’s got everything your curls needs to bounce and shine! This cream works to seal the cuticle and lock in moisture, while smoothing, shaping, defining and detangling my hair. It’s brilliant for reducing frizz and is formulated with Amaranth Oil and Vegetable Collagen to help promote healthy hair growth and nourish the scalp. It’s light texture helps to improve elasticity and the definition of the curls for soft and supple waves and curls. If you struggle with dry and brittle or de-hydrated, dull curly hair, then you’ll love this cream.
Hair Serum: Nishlady Curl Manifesto Leave-in Serum
Not just for the face, hair serums are here to help you get stronger, smoother strands. When it comes to multitasking hair products, few work harder than a great hair serum. The right formula can smooth frizz, add instant shine, shield against heat styling, and even help protect your strands from pollution — all while feeling light as air. Unlike heavier hair oils that can sometimes weigh down hair, serums are made to lightly sink into the cuticle, protecting it while instantly adding a polished, glossy finish. For curly hair, you want to look for hydrating serums that won’t flatten curly hair and frizz-fighters strong enough to stand up to humidity.
Nishlady Curl Manifesto Leave-in Serum is a brilliant serum for those who shampoo frequently. If you have waves, curls, or coils, this serum will help to control frizz while still letting all that natural bounce shine through. Packed with curl-friendly oils and butters (like mango butter, olive oil, avocado oil, and cocoa seed butter), it locks in moisture and shine while keeping your pattern bouncy and soft. Unlike greasy styling products (which can be curl’s worst enemy), this one won’t weigh down the hair. Unfortunately it does contain silicone in the form of dimethicone so if you want to avoid build-up on the hair I wouldn’t recommend it for gals who only shampoo once a week or those who co-wash.
Sulphate-Free Shampoo: TonicBoost Sulphate-Free Shampoo
Sulphate-free, moisturising shampoos are key for keeping 2B and 2C frizz in check. Keep an eye out for ingredients like nourishing oils, to help nourish and strengthen the hair while providing lasting moisture and improving softness. The right shampoo can make all the difference in keeping those waves smooth.
I love the TonicBoost Sulphate Free Shampoo (R54 | 250ml). The low-lather shampoo gently cleanses the hair and scalp without drying curls and coils. Plus, it helps to boost shine and eliminate frizz. If your hair has been going through it lately, then this is your go-to. It’s also recommended for colour and chemically-treated hair. This healthy scalp-focused shampoo is designed to gently cleanse without stripping the hair of hugely important natural oils. Formulated with Rapeseed Oil extract, the shampoo has strong moisturising properties, to penetrate the scalp and hair shaft for frizz-free hair with boosted shine.
Hair Oil: Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Multi Use Dry Oil
If you’ve been avoiding hair oils for fear of greasiness, let me quell your doubts with a favourite pick that imparts a glossy, softening effect without making an oily mess. Despite blends of moisturising emollients (like argan oil, squalane, and castor oil), the best hair oil formulas are surprisingly lightweight and fast-absorbing. All you need are a few drops of a good hair oil along your mid-lengths and ends to tackle concerns like dryness, dullness, and frizz. It’s been a game-changer for my forever-parched curly hair when I need to revive dry ends in a flash.
Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Multi Use Dry Oil (R530 | 50ml) is my favourite way to add shine to my tresses. It softens my hair, gets frizz under control in a second, and leaves behind a beautiful scent. To style, I add a few pumps into my hands and warm it with my fingertips before applying to the lengths and ends of my hair. I apply it strand by strand, shaping my curls as I go to ensure the moisture gets locked in to individual strands. Then, I simply comb my hands through my hair to ensure the product is spread evenly and to ensure long-lasting shine.
